la rita theater

I have not had the opportunity to see a show here but did have the privilege of touring the theater last month and I can tell you it is second to none I have seen in the Panhandle. Every detail of the woodwork has been beautifully finished to "like new" or better. The tables on the balconies seat 4 people comfortably at the dinner theater. The stage and dressing rooms have been re-done and I must say, nothing was overlooked.It is a must to see when you visit Dalhart!

We visited the theater because my son and his art students from West Texas A&M were doing an exterior mural on the rear wall of the building. The wall is visible from US 54, while the theater front is on the old, brick-paved main street. The theater had been an old-time vaudeville, picture show, and theater for plays. Long closed, it had fallen in neglect and been made into a storage facility. Until, that is, a determined and ardent group of local supporters raised the funds to do a restoration, one that brought the old theater back, now more elegant and refined than ever. The lobby and other areas have marble floors, chandeliers, plush carpet, comfortably upholstered seats, while the walls are repainted in lush colors. Surprisingly, the original wooden stage floor is now refinished and functioning. The theater is now used for high school and children's productions, ballet, traveling concerts and plays, and community theater. What an impressive building!